Gina Heslop
A mom left her one-year-old daughter alone at home while she went on a 10-day vacation. The little girl, named Jailyn, was left in her playpen while her mom, Kristel Candelario, went to Detroit and Puerto Rico.
When Kristel returned home, she found Jailyn not breathing and called 911. Sadly, it was too late. Jailyn was pronounced dead by the firefighters who arrived at the scene.
The medical examiner’s office determined that Jailyn died from starvation and severe dehydration. Kristel pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and endangering children.
She now faces a life sentence in prison without parole. The prosecutors dropped some charges in exchange for Kristel’s guilty plea.
The case deeply affected the prosecutors, who spoke on behalf of Jailyn, seeking justice for the innocent child. They described it as unimaginable and heartbreaking.
Kristel’s attorneys mentioned that she suffers from mental health issues but didn’t provide further details.
The attorneys also expressed that Kristel took responsibility for her actions and feels remorseful.
They hope that people understand she’s not a monster, despite the tragic outcome of her neglect.
